We have now moved from "Wild" Brittany to the more gentle NORMANDY, though it definitely had its violent moments in history: settled by the Celts about 2400 years ago, invaded by the Romans under Julius Caesar, raided by the Saxons in the 3rd century and by the Vikings in the 9th century. The name Normandy reflects the Viking (i.e. "Norseman") origins. Today Normandy is predominantly agricultural in character, famous for horse and cattle breeding, its products include world-famous cheeses (i.e. Camembert) and apples, which form the basis for its well-known ciders and calvados, an apple brandy. In recent history, Normandy was the scene of the landing of the allied forces towards the end of WWII.

I include a map which shows our drive through Normandy and the places we visited and will present over the coming days.

MONT-SAINT-MICHEL is one of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year. It is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Its strategic island location, occupied since the 5th century, has been recognized for centuries, it served as an abbey but also as prison. It used to be closed off to land traffic during high tides, but a relatively new higher causeway now guarantees dry access at all times.
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